Expected Key Provisions in the Union Budget 2024 for Fintech
The fintech industry has submitted its budget expectations to the Finance Minister. Based on that, we can expect the following provisions in the Union Budget 2024.
1. The budget could have provisions to expand the digital public infrastructure of India.
2. As access to the internet increases, the government will also have to work to make digital payments safer. Hence, the budget may make announcements to improve security measures for digital financial transactions.
3. Fintech companies that take finance and banking to those people who until recently did not have a bank account are actually doing a social service. The government may consider giving them tax exemptions on their expenditures.
Tax Benefits and Relief for Fintech Companies
In the case of fintech companies, there’s a strong case for the government to provide them with tax relief because such companies are helping poor and marginalised people access banking and finance, which wasn’t possible till now. Therefore, the government can offer them the following tax benefits:
The budget could offer lower taxes for fintech companies working to provide financial and digital services to poor people.
Many startups have requested the government to remove the “angel tax.” While the government may have reservations about eliminating this tax, it can consider removing it for those fintech companies that are improving financial inclusion in small towns and villages.
Certain sections of the fintech industry have demanded that the budget should reduce the import duty on those financial services devices that are essential for them.
Enhancing Cybersecurity and Data Protection
This can be a very important area from everyone’s perspective. Just imagine why anyone would do a financial transaction using an app or netbanking if it’s not safe. So, the budget may have the following announcements:
1. The budget may announce an increase in the financing for cybersecurity infrastructure.
2. The industry is also expecting the government to announce a national cybersecurity policy, which will give a boost to cybersecurity and data protection at a national level.
3. Certain industrialists expect the budget to announce tax subsidies for those investing in cybersecurity research and development.
4. Through budget announcements, the government is likely to strengthen data protection legislation and procedures related to compliance with cybersecurity rules and regulations.
Collaborative Opportunities for Traditional Banks and Fintech Firms
Traditional banks can work with fintech firms to provide banking and financial services to each and every citizen of India. The fintech industry is pleading with the government to do something in this regard. Here’s what we can expect from the budget:
The budget could announce a move which results in public sector banks (PSBs) working in partnership with fintech companies for the objective of financial inclusion.
For this objective, fintech firms can capitalise on the immense financial experience of PSBs. Meanwhile, PSBs can utilise the technical expertise of fintech firms.
PSBs have been investing in cutting-edge technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the delivery of their services. By collaborating with fintech companies, they will become better in this respect.
Future Prospects and Challenges for the Fintech Sector Post-Budget
The fintech sector has great prospects in India. Besides, fintech companies have already done very well. However, this sector needs a better policy framework for it to reach the next level.
1. The government should recognise the contribution and potential of fintech companies.
2. For this purpose, it should provide them with better digital infrastructure, certain tax subsidies, and better regulatory frameworks.
3. With the government’s support, fintech companies can take banking to even more people in India.
4. However, if the government isn’t able to provide support, then such companies may struggle. And if fintech companies were to struggle, then people in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities may not be able to access financial services.
5. “Angel tax” which affects many startups is adversely impacting fintech startups, too. The government should provide them with relief from this tax; otherwise, they may struggle.
Conclusion
Fintech may be an emerging sector; however, it has already made significant contributions to Indian society. It has helped provide banking and finance services to really poor and needy people.
Until recently, banks did not have data about the financial background of such people. However, since a lot of poor people access the internet and even make financial transactions online, fintech companies have such data.
This data can be used to improve the financial sector. However, the government will have to provide support to the sector. Without that, the sector may struggle. So, let’s see what the Union Budget has in store for the fintech sector. If it has something positive for the sector, fintech stocks listed in the Indian stock market may move up.
If you want to read more about the budget, please read our coverage here.
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